Cloward and Ohlin's Strain Theory Reexamined: An Elaborated Theoretical Model (From Legacy of Anomie Theory: Advances in Criminological Theory, Volume 6, P 247-270, 1995, Freda Adler and William S Laufer, eds. -- See NCJ-159627)

• NCJ Number: 159635
• Author(s): J P Hoffman; T Ireland
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 24 pages
• Sale Source: Transaction Publishers
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Cloward and Ohlin's theory of delinquent gangs, often placed under the conceptual umbrella of strain theory, is consistent with central tenets of strain theory and proposes that delinquency develops because young people are not able to achieve valued goals through conventional means.

Abstract

Cloward and Ohlin also argue that strained conditions merely begin an intricate process that includes several necessary conditions prior to the acceptance of delinquent solutions to goal blockage. Moreover, although Merton's theory of adaptation to anomie is designed to explain a wide variety of deviant and conforming activities, Cloward and Ohlin's theory focuses on explaining a very narrow set of deviant behaviors, the formation and specialization of delinquent gangs among urban, lower class boys. Empirical examinations and theoretical discussions of Cloward and Ohlin's theory tend to approach it in one of three ways: (2) focus on gang types and delinquent activities; (2) consideration of illegitimate opportunity structures in urban areas and subcultural adaptations; and (3) view that a disjunction between expectations and aspirations for valued goals leads directly to delinquency. An overview of Cloward and Ohlin's theoretical model is provided, and theoretical and methodological implications of the model are discussed. 98 references, 13 notes, and 2 figures